Other Equipment
- Emergency contact information
Wear a fanny pack that contains emergency contact information for you and your horse. List your vet and insurance information, as well as allergies to medications. Put your cell phone and car keys in your fanny pack, not a saddlebag or horn bag. If you fall off your horse and it takes off, you’ve lost your phone.
Note: Be mindful that fanny packs and backpacks may become easily entangled in brush and low tree limbs. - Glasses
If you wear glasses, make sure they have shatterproof lenses. - Breaking a horse to saddle
Wear long pants (no shorts). It is also a good idea to wear chaps over pants, a vest and an approved helmet. Keep to the arena, riding ring or round pen. Have someone nearby in case you get into trouble.
Note: Safety precautions are of utmost importance when working with young horses. Always prepare for the unexpected. - Gloves
To avoid finger cuts when opening and closing gates or lifting chains, wear gloves.
Note: Gloves are great tools when working, and they help keep your hands safe and warm during the winter. - Eye glasses
Use safety or sunglasses to protect your eyes from branches while on a trail ride.
Note: Although visors on helmets help protect against this to some degree, it's a good idea to have more protection. - Riding gear
Make sure you wear proper riding pants, boots, and a helmet every time you ride.
Note: Just like in many other hazardous jobs, proper "work" gear is the first step towards preventing accidents. - Vest
Wear a safety vest during cross country jumping.
Note: There are many times when a vest is a good idea (starting young horses, first time on a trail ride, etc), but while schooling and riding cross-country (and fox hunting) it is an absolute must. - Correct clothing
Wear fitted clothing that is not too loose, such as western shirts.
Note: You should never wear clothing or jewelry that could get caught up in tack, trees etc. - Vests and safety
Some horse people think wearing a safety vest is overkill when practicing jumping at home. I see vests as a piece of basic safety equipment standard.
Note: It is never silly to wear protective gear. If a rider feels comfortable in a helmet and vest, no one should ever fault that person for taking precaution.
